Cenotaphs at Congressional Cemetery

CENOTAPHS Although the term cenotaph means empty tomb, about 80 Congressmen are buried beneath the 171 unusual Aquia Creek sandstone memorials, which were erected to honor Congressmen and senators who died in office. The practice ended about 1870 when Congressman Hoar claimed the sight of them “gave new meaning to the horror of death.” The average cost was about $125 each.